Metro Atlanta law enforcement agencies dealt with a number of sad, shocking and senseless cases this year. Here’s a look back at some of them.
1. Clark Atlanta University student killed
By the time her family pleaded for her safe return, Alexis Janae Crawford was already dead, according to investigators. The 21-year-old's body was found after a week-long search. Crawford's friend and roommate, Jordyn Jones, and Jones' boyfriend, Barron Brantley, were both charged with her murder in a crime that made national headlines. The suspects remain in the Fulton County jail.
2. DeKalb teacher kills man, dies fleeing police
Roy McClendon-Thompson taught social studies at DeKalb County's McNair High School. In March, he was arrested for allegedly stealing more than $100,000 from his church. Three weeks later, McClendon-Thompson allegedly drove to the Dunwoody apartment complex where a man he had been dating lived. In the parking deck, he shot and killed James Curtis Jones, according to Dunwoody police. While fleeing from police, McClendon-Thompson was killed in a Clayton County crash.
3. Super Bowl brings sex-trafficking arrests
Atlanta police joined with federal and state law enforcement for months leading up to the big game, held in February at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With Atlanta on the big stage, police wanted to keep the event safe. Days before the game, the FBI announced there were 169 arrests during an 11-day investigation into human trafficking throughout metro Atlanta. Among those arrested before the Super Bowl were 26 suspects alleged to be sex traffickers and 34 suspects who allegedly attempted to engage in sex acts with minors, according to the FBI.
4. Who left behind Baby India?
A newborn baby's cries likely saved her life in June. The baby's cries got the attention of a Forsyth County family, who called 911. Deputies rescued the baby, given the name India, who was healthy despite being left in a plastic bag in the woods. Hundreds offered to adopt Baby India and others offered to supply baby food and even pay for her college, according to Georgia's Division of Family and Children Services. Her mother was not located, according to investigators. India was placed with foster parents.
5. Stray bullet kills sleeping 18-year-old
Weeks shy of her 19th birthday, Jessica Daniels had big plans that included college and becoming a dermatologist. On a Thursday morning in October, the sound of gunfire jolted everyone inside the family's South Atlanta home. Someone's bullet crashed through the window to Jessica's room, killing her. "How do I go on without thinking about her?" her mother asked the next day. Atlanta police continue to investigate Jessica's death.
6. Shots fired at Atlanta University Center back-to-school party
Hours before the start of a new school year, four students were injured in a shooting at an August block party outside the Atlanta University Center library. None of the injuries were life-threatening. University leaders announced plans to increase security on the downtown campuses. Atlanta police later charged two in the shootings.
7. Three dead after hours-long standoff in Henry
Anthony Bailey fired hundreds of rounds at Henry County police officers, injuring two, during an April standoff. Officers tried to negotiate with Bailey, who refused to surrender. When officers finally entered the home, they made a gruesome discovery. Bailey had killed his pregnant girlfriend, Sandra White, White's teenage son and himself. The family had planned to host a baby shower later that week for White and the baby she planned to name Antonio. Hundreds attended the family's funeral.
Credit: � 2019 Cox Media Group.
Credit: � 2019 Cox Media Group.
8. Attorney charged in road-rage killing
On July 30, a Sandy Springs attorney allegedly struck and killed a man in a North Fulton County neighborhood. Investigators determined Hamid Jahangard, 60, died from blunt force trauma to the head. A 2011 Mercedes CLS 550 was towed away from the scene the same day. Bryan Keith Schmitt, 47, was arrested and charged with murder two weeks later.
Credit: © 2019 Cox Media Group.
Credit: © 2019 Cox Media Group.
9. Former Georgia Board of Regent arrested
Former Georgia Board of Regent C. Dean Alford attempted to get money for his company through phony invoices for work never performed at the University of Georgia, but also the state's military college and area businesses, according to his arrest warrant. Alford was arrested in October after resigning his position on the board that governs Georgia's largest public colleges and universities.
10. Ex-wife of Atlanta Housing chairman kills children, herself
The ex-wife of a well-known Atlanta surgeon and civic leader repeatedly shot her son and daughter in her family's upscale Vinings townhome before killing herself with a single bullet to the chest, investigators determined. Marsha Edwards, 58, shot 20-year-old Erin Edwards and 24-year-old Christopher Edwards II in late August before turning the gun on herself, police said. All three were members of the National Association of Black Journalists, an organization that advocates for and supports black journalists.
11. Wife of Atlanta attorney charged with his murder
The remains of an Atlanta attorney were found in July on his 10-acre property in Cherokee County. Investigators later determined Gary Farris had been shot and killed. Police charged his wife, Melody Farris, with malice murder, aggravated assault and concealing a death. In November, she was granted $250,000 bond.
